Everyday at the office we receive scores of questions about the Florida Thoroughbred industry.
What is a Florida-bred? Why should I register my horse as a Florida-bred? How do the Florida breeders’ and stallion awards programs operate? How do I join the FTBOA and what are the benefits of becoming a member? Etcetera, etcetera, etcetera.
Of Course, the FTBOA staff doesn’t mind answering your questions. That’s what we’re here for. But we decided it might be a good idea to organize the most asked questions and their answers into a handy written guide and distribute it to all FTBOA members. We will also have copies on hand at the FTBOA office to hand out or mail to anyone interested in the Florida Thoroughbred industry.
We hope you will find this guide helpful and informative. We tried to cover all bases, but if we missed something and you still have questions, please don’t hesitate to call the FTBOA office. We’ll be more than happy to answer your questions as promptly as possible.
Q: How Do The Breeders’ and Stallion Owners’ Awards Programs Operate? Where Do The Monies For The Programs Come From And How Are The Awards Paid Out?
A: Breeders’ and Stallion Owners’ awards are paid out by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association according to Florida statutes. Each year the FTBOA prepares a plan of payment which has to be approved by the Florida Department of Business Regulation, Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering. In submitting each year’s payment plan to the Department, we have to project the total revenues to be received and then we must estimate the number of eligible Florida-bred winners.
Pari-mutuel legislation designates the source of revenue for the breeders’ incentive program as a percentage of the daily pari-mutuel handle. Under the provision of Florida statutes, a percentage of the combined on-track and intertrack pari-mutuel handle and a percentage of the income from the outgoing interstate simulcasts will be allocated to the breeders’ incentive program. Breeders’ and Stallion Owners’ Awards, along with a Florida-bred Stakes Program, comprise the breeders’ incentive program.
In accordance with Chapter 550.26165(2)(3) of the Florida statutes, a plan for the payment of Breeders’ and Stallion Owners’ Awards for each year ending December 31 must be filed with the Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering.
BREEDERS” AWARDS – Under the current plan, we pay the breeder of a Florida-bred winner registered with the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association an award of 15% of the gross purse from a licensed Thoroughbred pari-mutuel track located in the State of Florida. Each single breeder award may not exceed $15,000. Certain restrictions may apply. These awards shall be paid monthly.
STALLION OWNERS” AWARDS – Under the current plan we pay to the owner of a Thoroughbred stallion registered with the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association an award of 20% of the gross purse of a stakes race won by a registered Florida-bred at a licensed Thoroughbred pari-mutuel track located in the State of Florida. Each single Stallion Owner Award may not exceed $15,000. The award is paid to the owner of the stallion at the time the award is earned. These awards shall be paid monthly.
BREEDER BONUS AWARD – The plan allows the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association to pay to the breeder of a registered Florida-bred winner a bonus based on the balance of the awards account after having first:
- Paid Stallion Owners’ Awards as set forth
- Paid Breeders’ Awards as set forth
- Funded the Florida-bred Stakes Program
Maintained a reserve necessary to meet future cash flow requirements for stallion owners’ awards and breeders’ awards as determined by the FTTBOA Board of Directors.
The Breeder Bonus Awards shall be on a pro rata share based (of the funds available) on the awards the breeder has received through the preceding twelve months.
That up to 10% of the gross receipts be withheld in accordance with statutes for administrative and promotional fee. The breeders’ incentive program totals in excess of $8 million annually.
Q: What Is The Florida Owners’ Award Program?
A: In addition to Breeders’ and Stallion Owners’ Awards, Florida-breds registered with the FTBOA can earn FOA premiums over and above the net purse to the winner for their owners.
Participating Florida racetracks will annually distribute over $4 million in Florida Owners’ Awards.
Florida Owners’ Awards are paid out by the individual Florida tracks to the owner of a registered Florida-bred winner of certain races up to $40,000-added. FOAs may not be paid on stakes races. The payment of the FOA is based on a percentage of the gross purse and is financed through a portion of the takeout on the pari-mutuel handle.
Q: What Is A Florida-bred?
A: A Florida-bred is defined as: (1) A Florida Thoroughbred foaled in Florida whose dam is normally domiciled in Florida, or (2) A Thoroughbred foaled within the State of Florida by any broodmare normally domiciled elsewhere and bred back to a stallion quartered within the State of Florida and which did not stand for service any place outside of Florida during that calendar year. After producing her foal, the foal at her side shall be considered a Florida-bred, even though such broodmare may not be bred within the breeding season because of unusual circumstances and these circumstances are so certified by her owner and/or veterinarian and subject to the approval of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association Board of Directors.
Q: How Important Is It To Register A Florida-bred?
A: It is very important as well as profitable to register a Florida-bred with the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association. Florida-breds not registered with the FTBOA are not eligible to earn Breeders’, Stallion Owners’ and Florida Owners’ Awards.
Q: How Do I Register My Horse As A Florida-bred?
A: To register a Thoroughbred with the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association, applicants must submit to the FTBOA the following: (1) A complete and signed official application form available from the FTBOA for each animal to be registered (2) A check in payment of registration fees in accordance with the current fee schedule (3) An official Florida-bred certificate will be mailed to the applicant for attachment to the Jockey Club Certificate.
Q: Is There A Deadline To Register My Forida-breds?
A: Breeders are encouraged to register their horses as foals since the registration fee increases with the age of the horse. The breeder of record as shown on the Jockey Club Certificate of a registered Florida-bred shall be eligible for Breeders’ Awards if the Florida-bred is registered with the FTBOA prior to winning the race from which the award is earned.
Q: How Do I register My Stallion As A Florida-based Stallion In Order For Him To Be Eligible For Stallion Owners’ Awards?
A: A completed and signed official application form provided by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association must be filed for each stallion to be registered. There is a one-time registration fee of $100 and then an annual renewal fee of $40.
Annual fees are due on or before FEBRUARY 15 of each year with a late fee of $60 being charged after that date to July 31. Stallion applications will not be accepted after July 31 and the stallion will therefore not be eligible for Stallion Owners’ Awards.
New stallions standing in Florida for the first time must have their applications filed and their fees paid within 30 days after breeding their first mare by February 15, whichever is later.
Florida-based stallions must be registered at the time for the progeny’s stakes win at a recognized Thoroughbred track in Florida for the stallion owner to be eligible to earn an award. “The removal of a stallion from this state during the period of time between February 1 and June 15 of any year for any reason, other than exclusively for prescribed medical treatment, as approved by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association, renders the owner or owners of the stallion ineligible to receive a stallion award under any circumstances for offspring sired prior to removal.” – 550.2625(3)(d)
Stallions must be registered with the FTBOA for Florida Stallion Stakes Series eligibility.
Q: How Do I Become A Member Of The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association?
A: There are four classes of membership.
REGULAR: Person engaged in the breeding or racing of Thoroughbred horses in the State of Florida and who own a broodmare, stallion or racehorse (or a part thereof) domiciled in the State of Florida and who are interested in the aims of the FTBOA. Only REGULAR members can vote, hold office or take any role in conduct of FTBOA business.
ASSOCIATE: Persons interested in the objectives of the FTBOA and who desire to have limited use of the FTBOA facilities.
HONORARY: Persons elected by the Board of Directors whenever the Board deems such members deserving and the honor warranted.
CORPORATE SPONSOR: For companies upon agreement with the Board of Directors.
Any person(s) eligible for membership may apply for membership upon payment of the initiation fee and a year’s dues and then be subject to election to membership by approval of three-quarters of those entitled to vote at a Directors’ meeting. Annual dues are payable on January 1 of each calendar year and are late after March 31 of each year. Memberships are for a calendar year.
Q: What Are The Benefits Of Joining The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ And Owners’ Association?
A: Becoming a member of the FTBOA allows you to benefit from many services and participate in many Thoroughbred industry activities.
Benefits and services include:
BREEDERS INCENTIVE PROGRAM: The FTBOA administers and pays out the Breeders’ and Stallion Owners’ Awards.
INDUSTRY MATTERS: The FTBOA will be your voice in the State of Florida in all matters concerning the Thoroughbred industry.
FLORIDA-BRED REGISTRY: All members receive discounts when registering a Florida-bred to become eligible for breeders’ and owners’ awards.
VOTING PRIVILEGES: FTBOA members vote for and elect the Board of Directors of the association.
THE FLORIDA HORSE: All members receive The Florida Horse magazine, the official publication of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association. The publication will keep them abreast of industry news, the performance of Florida-breds nationally, and association activities.
PEDIGREE SERVICES: Both the Jockey Club and Bloodstock Research computer services are available to members at a discounted price.
LIBRARY: An extensive library and research center is available for members. The center includes microfiche records, sales catalogs, videotapes, books and periodicals.
LIAISON SERVICE: The FTBOA acts as a liaison for its members by providing representation to the state government and agencies, horse councils and associations.
PROMOTIONAL SERVICES: The FTBOA serves as a promotional arm for the Thoroughbred industry: promotional material and news releases provided, as well as participation in tourism and trade shows.
AGRICULTURE AFFILIATION: The FTBOA maintains close affiliations with the State Department of Agriculture, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the University of Florida’s College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine and other agriculture related associations.
EDUCATION PROGRAMS: The FTBOA sponsors numerous seminars throughout the year and works in conjunction with the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary medicine, the Department of Animal Science, the Marion County Cooperative Extension Service and the Central Florida Community College.
